Gunmen kidnap Catholic priest in Benue

A priest of the Otukpo Catholic Diocese, Reverend Father David Echioda, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen at Alan-Akpa in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. Witnesses said the priest was returning from Utonkon in Ado Local Government Area of the state Sunday afternoon where he went to conduct a special mass when he was […]

A priest of the Otukpo Catholic Diocese, Reverend Father David Echioda, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen at Alan-Akpa in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Witnesses said the priest was returning from Utonkon in Ado Local Government Area of the state Sunday afternoon where he went to conduct a special mass when he was accosted.

It was gathered that Echioda hails from Oshugbudu in Agatu LGA but works with the Minor Seminary at Ochobo in Ohimini LGA of the state and that he ran into his abductors who seized his phone immediately after taking him hostage.

A source, Ankeli Amanyi, told journalists in Makurdi that, “An Okada (motorcycle) rider, who ran into the scene was forced to stop and ordered to drive them in the priest’s vehicle. It was while the Okada boy was trying to park his motorcycle that he jumped into the bush and escaped. It  was the Okada boy that came to break the news to the Bishop, Michael Apochi, in Otukpo.”

Amanyi, however, added that kidnappers were yet to establish contact for ransom with anyone connected to the abducted priest at the time of sending this report.

Also, the Director of Information, Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Rev. Fr. John Okopopu, confirmed the abduction of his colleague to journalists in Makurdi, stating that Echioda was returning from a missionary work when he was abducted.

Spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Catherine Anene, in a text message also confirmed the abduction of the priest to our correspondent in Makurdi.

“It is confirmed and investigation is in progress,” Anene stated.